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WGR Sports Radio 550 has learned from a league source that Syracuse University head coach Doug Marrone is expected to be the next head coach of the Bills. The source said although nothing is done, the college coach would be the next man in charge in Buffalo barring any last minute breakdowns.
Marrone to the Bills was initially reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, who reported the two sides have reached an agreement. NFL.com and CBSSports.com have also confirmed Schefter's intiial report.
Marrone spent four seasons with the Syracuse Orange as their head coach and is noted for building their program back up from being one of the worst programs in a BCS conference. Over that span, he amassed a 25-25 record, culminating with an 8-5 record in 2012.
The Bronx, NY native took over that post from Greg Robinson, who went a combined 10-37 over the course of his four seasons as head coach. Marrone is an alumnus of Syracuse, having played offensive line for the school.
Before being named the Orange's head coach, Marrone spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, where he did not call the plays for Sean Payton's squad.
Marrone was one of five men that the Bills interviewed by the end of Friday. The team also spoke with former Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly and former Chicago head coach Lovie Smith.
Of the seven teams to fire their head coach, the Bills are the second to fill their vacancy. The Kansas City Chiefs and former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid reached an agreement on Friday.
Marrone is the first college coach to reportedly bolt for the NFL, despite much speculation that Oregon's Chip Kelly would be the head coach of an NFL team next season. Marrone also had an interview with the Cleveland Browns, and reportedly had an interview scheduled with both the Eagles and San Diego Chargers.
The Bills have yet to officially announce the hire.
Keep checking back to WGR Sports Radio 550 and WGR550.com for details as they become available
Twitter: @JoeBuscaglia